Zakk Wylde Credits Cream With Kickstarting Heavy Metal

In a recent sit down with Rick Beato, Pantera’s Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante weighed in on the band that wrote the first-ever heavy metal riff. The bandmates agreed that Cream would take the title. Zakk explained:

“I would say that the first metal riff ever, you’ve got to go with ‘Sunshine of Your Love.’ Hands down, Cream started the whole thing.”

Charlie agreed with Zakk and said:

“I think Cream.”

Besides Cream, Wylde also mentioned Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath as bands that have helped shape the metal scene. Charlie also shared his choice of band, which was the main influence behind what we now know as trash metal. He added:

“Queen had a lot of metal elements. Brian May’s playing is very thrash metal, if you will.”

Zakk is one to give praises when they’re due. In addition to giving shout outs to Cream, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath for their contribution to the metal scene, the guitarist had to mention their very own Phil Anselmo. In a recent interview with Loudwire, the guitarist praised the singer for his vocal performances and said that he was ‘crushing it’ on stage.

The band has a few more dates to perform this year until next summer. You can find more information about tickets here.

You can watch Pantera’s interview with Rick Beato and listen to ‘Sunshine of Your Love’ below.